Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz appeared in federal court in Boston on Monday, charged alongside teammate Emmanuel Clase with taking bribes to influence prop bets on pitches. Ortiz was released on $500,000 bail, with conditions including surrendering his passport and restricting travel to the US northeast.
According to the indictment, Ortiz and Clase allegedly accepted thousands of dollars in payoffs to help two unnamed gamblers in the Dominican Republic win at least $460,000 on bets placed on the speed and outcome of certain pitches. Clase, a three-time All-Star closer, and Ortiz, a starting pitcher, have been on non-disciplinary paid leave since July when MLB began investigating unusual betting activity.
Ortiz, 26, was arrested Sunday by the FBI at Boston Logan International Airport. Clase, 27, is believed to be outside the US, according to a law enforcement official. Both face charges including wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery, with top charges carrying up to 20 years in prison.
US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr said the players “betrayed America’s pastime,” while Ortiz’s lawyer Chris Georgalis stated his client is innocent and “has never, and would never, improperly influence a game.” MLB announced new limits on betting on individual pitches, capping wagers at $200 and excluding them from parlays.
The Guardians said in a statement they are aware of the law enforcement action and will continue to cooperate with investigations. The charges are part of a federal crackdown on betting in professional sports, following a recent sweep that arrested over 30 people, including prominent basketball figures.
